Integration of physical and virtual LMR networks

Abstract

Integration of a land mobile radio (LMR) communications system and other wireless IP based systems such as LTE by way of a virtual router and virtual base stations. The LMR system may be either trunked or conventional. The virtual router maintains LMR IDs and also IP addresses for both physical and virtual base stations, multi bearer terminals and other components of the integrated system. Physical LMR base stations form a physical network. Virtual LMR base stations form a virtual network. These physical and virtual LMR networks communicate using ISSI, AIS or DFSI for example.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the priority of Australian Patent Application No. 2016902579, filed Jun. 30, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to integration of services between a land mobile radio (LMR) communications system and other technology such as cellular that can offer relatively high data rates needed to support an encoded voice stream.[0003]An architecture is described which is used to integrate LMR networks to an IP network such that a multi-bearer capable terminal can pass messages and voice via either path and observe normal LMR behaviour. The IP network may be established over a cellular network though generally any IP network capable of supporting the required bandwidth of operation may be used, including both commercial and private networks.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0004]Public safety agencies around the world typ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to a method and system for enabling LMR (land mobile radio) to operate over an IP network using a virtual LMR network connected to a physical LMR network using a router and an ISSI, AIS, or DFSI interface. This allows for seamless communication between the LMR and cellular networks and facilitates coverage extension for users of LMR devices. The technical effects include improved communication flexibility and coverage area coverage extension for LMR users.

Problems solved by technology

This form of technology is relatively short range compared to relatively narrow band technologies.

Methods of this type are subject to a number of drawbacks including; a mismatch of audio quality on either side, an incompatible feature set on either side, and loss of ability to establish end-to-end encryption.

These mismatches generally occur because the protocols used on either side of the gateway are different.

This approach is limited to the specific core network implementation of a particular manufacturer.

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